LOCAL POLITICS COUNCIL UPDATE The importance of making the right decision here can not be overstated. Council is certainly in an unenviable position. In a recent email on the subject, it was called “one of the most important decisions made during this term of council.” Council will have to balance the wants of the community and good fiscal policy. Even in terms of what the community wants, there are various opinions on the best use of the parcels.
AAKASH P. DESAI
Deputy Mayor Municipality of Grey Highlands deputymayordesai@greyhighlands.ca DISCLAIMER: This article is not meant to act as a majority or dissenting opinion on matters discussed and decided at Council of the Municipality of Grey Highlands or the Council of the County of Grey. It is an honest effort to present facts, thoughts, rationales, and debates surrounding those items. And in some cases, it is just good news and celebrations. The theme for this month’s magazine is mental health. Since I don’t feel like I would be particularly good, or qualified, to speak on that I decided I would do a column bringing updates from Council.
In other news, the new Markdale hospital construction is well underway. At the May 18th Council Meeting representatives from the Centre Grey Health Services Foundation provided an update to Council during their delegation. They have also asked to collect on Council’s pledge of $1.2 million. In addition, they have also asked Council to consider an increase of $181,500 to that. This represents an annual 1% increase (15% total) to the original pledge. This is a “small representative of the interest earned over the years”. If you want to write to Council on these, or any other matters, you can send an email to council@greyhighlands.ca. This will send an email to all members of Council simultaneously. AAKASH P. DESAI Deputy Mayor Municipality of Grey Highlands deputymayordesai@greyhighlands.ca
The biggest issue in front of Council right now is the future of Beaver Valley. More precisely, the parcels of land that are now known in the community as the Talisman Lands. In March, the Municipality entered into a one-year Joint Venture Agreement with the owners of the Talisman Springs Inn property to promote and market the opportunities for these collective lands. The possibilities on what can happen on the lands have piqued the interest of several members of the community. On Friday May 21, a group called Friends of the Beaver Valley delegated to Council asking for three months to allow them to formulate a vision for the properties. 10
HELLO COUNTRY MAGAZINE
